Soltura Cuba Travel Blog

Written by Sophia Bass In New York Times article, “Cuba Art Outshines Politics,” author Abby Ellin paints a picture of Cuba’s current political and cultural state. As politics among Cuban and American relations continue to shift between the Obama Administration and Trump Era, Cuba has become a fascinating destination for art, music, and culture.  This has become evident through museums around the United States and Havana. In the last year, the Bronx Museum, El Museuo Nacional de Bellas Artes, and Cuban Museum of Natural history all featured visual Cuban artists. In addition, the Walker Art Center in Minneapolis attributed to the rising interest in travel to Cuba during the Obama Administration. Iliana Cepero, professor of Latin American Art and Cuban Culture at New York University states, “Cuba was a cultural center in Latin America from the 50’s to 80’s.” As political tension between Cuban and American relations have been present, the Cuban people have been waiting for a sh

Written by Sophia Bass  Cuban cuisine has been influenced by Spanish, Aboriginal, African and Caribbean influences. Food sources mainly come from rivers, lakes, and the ocean which provide much of the culture’s protein sources. The landscape is known for rich agriculture, producing fruits, vegetables, and “casabe,” which is a grain used for bread-making. During the Fidel Castro days, Cubans were cut off from the world and were deprived from outside food sources. A typical diet for a Cuban would often be beans, rice, and chicken or fish. Today, Cuba has access to a broader spectrum of ingredients. Modern chefs are looking towards native edibles, old traditions, and foreign influences to help re-shape Cuban cuisine. Aboriginal influences continue to impact island dishes. Cassava, sweet potatoes, and pumpkins are just a few of the many food sources that are main staples on the island. As Cuban natives fished and hunted, everything that was found was consumed quickly becaus

Written by Sophia Bass Buena Vista Social Club has been the international face of Cuban music for decades. An ensemble of Cuban musicians established in 1996 to revive the music of pre-revolutionary Cuba, Buena Vista developed an eternal legacy. With songs like Dos Gardenias and Chan Chan, this Cuban band has inspired generations of musicians all over the world. Documentary, Buena Vista Social Club: Adios, is being released in 2017, focusing on the Buena Vista Social Club’s phenomenon, a project that started out as an album recording tracks by aging Cuban musicians brought together by British impresario Nick Gold, produced by American musician Ry Cooder and directed by Juan de Marcos Gonzalez. Directed by Lucy Walker, this film focuses on biographical, political, and historical background of surviving band members while intertwining their interviews. Ruban Gonzalaez, Ibrahim Ferrer, and Omara Portunondo and many more are highlighted throughout the documentary. Walker wants to po

Me in a vintage Chevy in Old Havana  Written by Sophia Bass For decades, Cuba has been home to 1950’s American classic vintage cars. As Cuba has had restrictions on new car imports under the Castro regime, the Caribbean nation has preserved classic cars while incorporating them into their daily culture. In a country where the average Cuban makes $20 a month, a new car would not be a realistic goal for most Cubans. If you visit Cuba, you will notice a wide array of cars and colors throughout Havana, Trinidad, Santiago de Cuba, and all throughout the countryside. An estimated 60,000 pre-1959 American cars are still driving the Cuban streets. An easing of the U.S. embargo could have dramatic impacts on car-scene throughout Cuba. Journalist, Jonathon Harper, traveled to Cuba in recent years and noticed that the majority of cars in Cuba fit in about five categories. “Original American classics, non-originiae American classics, Russian cars and trucks, newer Chinese/Korean/Japanese vehic

Written by Sophia Bass  Cuban culture is beginning to cultivate individualism after years of historical oppression. New York Times article, “In Cuba, Sourcing Style,” highlights individualism in a country that has been restrictive and regulated by communism for decades. Rose Cromwell, a photographer that has been traveling to Cuba for over 12 years, states that she senses Cuba is changing. She explains that in a country where clothing options are limited, cultivating a specific style can be challenging in Cuba. Relatives will bring back clothing from Mexico, Panama, or Miami and sell them from their homes. Some individuals have been found to source clothing from Brazil, wearing colorful attire in Old Havana or at music festivals. Men have been found to wear funky jewelry, even if they don’t have a lot of money, they enjoy wearing jewelry that feels expressive. Men are also finding fashion in hair styles, mustaches, and eyebrows. “You definitely see a lot of self-care, and barbershops

Written by Sophia Bass Due to a rise in tourism in Cuba, travelers have been exploring Cuban countryside, taking hikes to waterfalls, snorkeling near remote beaches, and learning about Cuban ecology. Here’s a list of some of Cuba’s best natural attractions to visit for 2017-2018. Cayo Coco is a remote island destination. Locals call the sharp reef remnants “dog’s teeth,” and appropriate footwear is necessary for anyone who wants to hike beside the water. The island is known for bird watching, snorkel excursions, and canoe trips along mangroves. Zapata Biosphere Reserve contains one of the largest wetlands in the Caribbean. It boasts a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve, and is known for its citing of Cuban crocodiles. Guanahacabibes Peninsula Park lies within the Guanahacabibes Peninsula Biosphere, which was created in 1980. Known as one of the most remote places in Cuba, this park is home to deer, iguanas, and over 100 species of birds. Toppes de Collates is a protected area in the E